GB2511031A

GB2511031A - A rocking chair

Info

Publication number: GB2511031A
Application number: GB1223423.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Hollest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-22
Filing date: 2012-12-22
Publication date: 2014-08-27
Also published as: GB201223423D0

Abstract

A rocking chair comprising a base frame 1, a seat 2 pivotally suspended on hinges that are supported on the frame 1 such that it can swing in two opposing directions and a locking mechanism 4 predisposed to enter a locked state when the seat 2 is in a plurality of positions which prevents swinging wherein means 5 are provided to put the locking mechanism 4 in an unlocked state. The urging in the locking mechanism 4 may be provided by magnets, gravity or a resilient member and the mechanism may utilise an arcuate guide slot 8 with detent notches 9. A lever with a handle 5 may be provided to manually unlock the device.

Description

A ROCKING CHAIR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a chair, more particularly a chair that is able to incline, and more particularly a rocking chair.

Background

In many societies there is an increasing average age of populations.

This reflects success of modern medicine and an increased focus on health even into advancing years.

A common perception is that as years pass and people age it is important to keep them exercised and moving.

The lymphatic system plays an important part within the immune system. With aging, the lymphatic system becomes less effective at combating disease and infections. Working the muscles can help in stimulating the lymphatic system, especially to those who are chair-bound.

This can be of a particular concern with people or users who suffer temporary setbacks to their health or mobility in advanced years as they often lose a free ability to move and exercise and as a consequence suffer a downward spiral.

This can at minimum be a leading cause of depression, desperation and frustration at inability to do anything but sit quietly.

Rocking chairs are traditionally associated with elderly people althoUgh they are much enjoyed by many other users. The elderly in particular may find this gentle movement satisfying, relaxing and beneficial.

Rocking chairs are also believed to benefit in such areas as Alzheimer's and dementia, arthritis, circulation, post-operative healing and back pain.

Unfortunately those with reduced or limited movement may be unable to enter or exit from a rocking chair, and therefore are denied the benefit.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 355 397 (ABOLKHEIR) discloses a rocking chair comprising a seat having at least one curved rocker and being rockably mounted on a non-rocking base, and restriction means operable to restrict rocking motion of the seat.

Granted United States patent US 7 322 650 (CHOUINARD et al) discloses a reclining chair system operable about different modes, the reclining chair system comprising: a base; an intermediate member comprising opposite left and right sides, the intermediate member being mounted onto the base and being rotatably moveable with respect to the same via a corresponding rotating assembly so as to operate the reclining chair system in a rotating mode; left and right side frames being operatively mounted respectively onto the left and right sides of the intermediate member via a corresponding rocking assembly so as to operate the reclining chair system in a rocking mode; a support chassis extending between the left and right side frames for operatively supporting a seat and a backrest of the reclining chair system; and a footrest operatively mounted onto the support chassis and operable therealong between retracted and extended positions via a corresponding deployment assembly so as to operate the reclining chair system in a deployed mode, the footrest being further configured to be operated into an elevated position whereby the deployment assembly of the footrest cooperates with the rocking assembly of the intermediate member so as to prevent the reclining chair system from being operated in the rocking mode.

Granted United States patent US 733 071 (GUILLOT et al) discloses a rocker recliner comprising: a base frame; a rocking frame rockably connected to said base frame, wherein said rocking frame is configured to be adjusted between an upright position and at least one reclined position; at least one seating surface attached to said rocking frame; a lockout lever attached to the rocker recliner and configured to be moved by a user between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a dual-action locking mechanism that locks to prevent rocking of said rocking frame in response to adjustment of said rocking frame to the at least one reclined position and also in response to movement of said lockout lever to the locked position, said dual-action locking mechanism being unlocked to allow rocking of said rocking frame in response to movement of said lockout lever to the unlocked position.

Granted United States patent US 6 761 405 (BELLEFLEUR) discloses a locking assembly for a rocking chair, said locking assembly being suitable for retaining a body supporting portion of the chair relative to a chair base portion of the chair in a certain position, said locking assembly comprising: a first locking assembly component for connection to one of the body supporting portion and the chair base portion; a second locking assembly component for connection to the other of the body supporting portion and the chair base portion; said second locking assembly component including a pin; said first locking assembly component including: i. a pair of jaws; U. a linkage coupled to at least one of said jaws, at least one of said jaws being responsive to a first movement of said linkage to undergo displacement with relation to the other jaw such as to cause engagement of said pin between said jaws, at least one of said jaws being responsive to a second movement of said linkage to cause release of said pin between said jaws.

Granted united States patent US 6 290 294 (VOLZ) discloses an anti-rocking safety kit for use with a rocking device that is adapted to sit on a floor surface, said rocking device having a first and a second rocker, with each of said rockers having a front end and a rear end, said safety kit comprising: (a) a first wedge and a second wedge, wherein each of said wedges has a bottom face and an inclined top face and wherein the first wedge is longer than the second wedge; (b) a pair of elongated straps, each of which is adapted to extend from a wedge around a rocker so as to secure one of the wedges to a rocker of a rocking device; wherein the first wedge is adapted to be positioned under one end of one of the rockers with its bottom face in contact with the floor surface and at least a portion of its inclined top face in contact with the rocker and the second wedge is adapted to be positioned under the opposite end of one of the rockers with its bottom face in contact with the floor surface and at least a portion of its inclined top face in contact with the rocker in order to prevent the rocking device from rocking, and wherein the strap of each wedge may be wrapped around a portion of the end of the rocker with which it is associated to secure the wedge to the rocker.

Granted European patent EP 0 515 120 (MUGFORD) discloses a rocking chair comprising a support stand: a seat assembly: and pivot means for pivotally mounting the seat assembly on the stand about any one of a plurality of axes of the seat assembly, including locking means operable to prevent relative motion of the seat assembly and the stand comprises a locking bar provided on either the seat assembly or the stand and engaging means on the other for engaging the locking bar.

W02012/024315 Al -(Lajobi nc)-Describes a chair where the seat moves relative to the first and second base structures according to a linkage system.

US2O11/148161 Al -(Fontaine) -Describes a locking system for a rocking chair that is easily integrated into the overall structure of the rocking chair US6588841 Bi -(Ultra Mek mc) -Describes a gliding seating unit including a base, a seat positioned generally above the base, front and rear swing links being constructed and mounted such that the seat is suspended from the base and is free to glide along a longitudinal path; and a locking mechanism including a first engagement member fixed to and below the seat, and a second engagement member pivotally interconnected with the base and configured to engage the first engagement member in one of plurality of engagement locations, In contrast the present invention provides an easily operated locking and rocking chair, wherein the lock may be operated.with minimal dexterity and minimal force, and be instigated to aid user convenience in exiting or sitting in the chair.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a rocking chair comprising: a frame static in use comprising a base, a seat suspended on hinges that are supported by the frame, so that the seat swings on the hinges to incline with respect to the frame in two opposing directions in use; a locking mechanism predisposed to enter a locked state which prevents the seat from swinging wherever the seat is in a plurality of predetermined positions, and a means to put the locking mechanism in an unlocked state which allows the seat to swing.

Preferably there is provided a rocking chair comprising: a frame static in use comprising a base, a seat suspended on hinges that are supported by the frame, so that the seat swings on the hinges to incline with respect to the frame in two opposing directions in use; an arcuate slot is defined in an arm of the seat; and a locking mechanism is connected to the frame, whereby in a locked state the arm of the seat is arrested by engagement of the locking mechanism in the arcuate slot so as to enable the seat to be locked in a plurality of inclinations in both directions and thereby prevent the seat from swinging.

Preferably, there is a rocking chair with a seat capable of incline in twO opposing directions in use; said seat mounted upon a frame that is static in use, characterised in that said seat is capable of being locked by a locking mechanism during a plurality of inclinations; in both directions.

Preferably there is a rocking chair comprising: a base, a seat suspended on hinges that are supported by the base, so that the seat swings on the hinges, with respect to the base; an arcuate slot is defined in an arm of the seat; and a locking mechanism is connected to the base, whereby in a locked state the arm of the seat is arrested by engagement of the locking mechanism in the arcuate slot so as to prevent the seat from swinging.

In this way a user may use the chair like a rocking chair, rocking from one incline or inclination to another.

The locking mechanism may be combined with or may feature bearings, wherein the seat is able to rotate or be hinged in relation to the frame. These bearings ideally incorporate minimal friction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the mechanism utilises displaceable parts on the frame that form a lock when displaced into sections of the seat.

In some embodiments the bearings may cooperate with the locking mechanism, in that the bearings may be displaced in order to prevent inclination.

Provision of locking at different inclines allows the user to halt movement of the chair when it is felt that it is a comfortable incline, such as typically an incline whereby the seat is inclined back for the user.

Typically therefore the parts may displace into a plurality of sections to lock at a plurality of inclines.

Furthermore however, the user is able to lock the chair in a forward inclination, for example in order that they may rock forward to a seat incline and subsequent body position where it is easier to leave the seat and chair.

In this way the seat may be locked in an inclined forward position in order that the user is tipped out of the seat and may push against the chair to further facilitate exit.

Typically the seat runs in a slot in the frame and is mounted on at least one pivot bearing.

Preferably the seat has a back. Preferred embodiments of the chair have a back that is contiguous with the seat to form a continuous support and ideally wherein the support allows some flexure.

Such flexure may allow the user to comfortably rearrange themselves in the chair, even where the locking mechanism is in use. Ideally such flexure is therefore minimal and provided by the support material, typically and preferably wooden.

Preferably the frame also allows some flexure in order that a user shifting position in the seat will be accommodated comfortably. Typically this allows a user to lean back and his or her weight flexes the frame without affecting the mechanism or putting it under strain.

In some embodiments there may be flexure in the bearings in addition or in the alternative.

In preferred embodiments the support may be provided with cushioning or padding, wherein said padding may be detachable.

Ideally the seat is also provided with armrests. These armrests are ideally attached to the seat, wherein they rock or incline in accordance with the seat, in relation to the frame.

In some embodiments these armrests contain the bearings and/or mechanism. In this way the user may be easily operate the mechanism, because the controls are typically local to the mechanism and therefore local to the users' arms and hands.

Ideally the control is provided by a handle. This handle preferably provides a lever allowing amplification of the user's control movement and consequently permitting a user with reduced mobility to activate or act upon the locking mechanism.

For example in some embodiments the lever may control and act upon a pneumatic mechanism.

In other embodiments the handle or control is rotary in order that the user turns the handle to work the mechanism.

Preferably in all embodiments the handle allows incremental control, so that the lock may be progressively engaged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the mechanism is maghetic or uses magnetic portions to make a lock.

In this way a user, even with reduced mobility is thereby enabled to easily manipulate the magnets, aided by operation of the handle control and lever movement magnification.

The magnetic portions in some preferred embodiments function to attract a lock to close together, wherein the lock may include male parts and corresponding female sections or toothed parts and sections, which fit together under stimulation or due to attraction from the magnetic portions.

Once parts and sections are engaged or fit together they are ideally not subject to movement or disengagement, except under impulse from the user, ideally with minimal force.

Ideally the racking chair comprises a bas, a seat suspended on hinges that are supported by the base so that the seat swings on the hinges with respect to the base.

An arcuate slot is defined in an arm of the seat. A locking mechanism is connected to the base, whereby in a locked state the arm of the seat is arrested by engagement of the locking mechanism in the arcuate slot so as to prevent the seat from swinging.

Preferably the centre of radius of the arcuate slot is centre of rotation or rocking of the chair. The hinge comprises a hinge pin which is located at the centre of rotation.

Ideally the lock mechanism is sprung to predispose it to enter the locked state.

Ideally the rocking chair comprises a magnet which predisposes the lock mechanism to enter the locked state.

Ideally the lock mechanism is predisposed to the locked state when the seat is at a predetermined angle of inclination and to the unlocked state at any other angle of inclination.

Ideally the lock mechanism comprises: lock bar attached to the base and a recess is formed in the arcuate slot.

Ideally the recess is formed at an angle of inclination corresponding to the lock state so as to define a detent mechanism.

Ideally the lock mechanism may be manually changed from the lock state to the unlock state. In one embodiment that can be done by manually moving a kick bar or a lock component out of the detent. By moving the lock component back into the detent the lock mechanism is moved into the lock state.

Preferably the lock component is urged to move into the detent by gravity, or a resilient actor, or a magnet. Therefore the lock mechanism is predisposed to enter the locked state, or sprung to enter the locked state.

S

Ideally a shove or a hard shove on the seat will apply enough force on the lock component to urge the lock component out of the detent.

Conveniently the chair is maintained in a locked state by the lock component which is urged into the detent by the means described. Therefore when a person is resting the rocking chair, the chair is held in the locked position Conveniently if a person, such as person sitting in the chair, gives the chair a shove or a hard shove, this shove will cause the locking component to be dislodged from the detent and the seat can be moved to different position. In th new position the locking component is again urged to move into the detent by the means previously described. Therefore the person can rest in the new locked position of the seat.

Preferably the lock mechanism is predisposed to the locked state when the seat is at a predetermined angle of inclination and to the unlocked state at any other angle of inclination.

Preferably the rocking chair is locked in a forward inclined or a backward reclined position.

Preferably the chair a chair comprises a seat capable of incline in two opposing directions in use; said seat mounted upon a frame that is static in use, characterised in that said seat is capable of being locked by a locking mechanism during a plurality of inclinations; in both directions.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated* that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the chair; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a view from in front of the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The chair as pictured and preferred consists of the following elements: a bent tubular steel frame (1) a seat formed of a integral support (2) having arms (3) a locking mechanism (4) having a lever handle (5).

pivot bearings (6)where arms are attached to the frame; and a steel locking or engagement bar (1) running from the mechanism 4 in a slot (8) of the arm 3 to prevent inclination by default engagement into the lock section (9).

The bottom pad frame rests on the ground. The upper part of the frame extends up from the ground.

The seat is connected to the frame by a hinge (6) which allows the seat to pivot and rock on the frame. The hinge may be connected directly to the seat (2) or to an arm (3) of the seat. The seat itself may comprise a slot (8) or an arm (3) connected to the seat may comprise a slot (8) as shown.

The slot (8) has a radius so that it is an arcuate slot. The centre of radius is the pivot or hinge (6). As the seat rocks, swings, and rotates about the hinge, the arc of the slot follows the circumference of a circle centred about the hinge 6.

The locking component (7) protrudes into the slot. The locking component is also attached to the frame. The locking component is also predisposed to enter a lock section such as detent (9) where the angle of the seat is such that the detent is in close proximity to the position where the locking component (7 prdtrudes into the slot: Therefore the seat is predisposed to be locked into any position where rotating it brings a detent in the slot into proximity with the locking component.

The seat is locked to a particular position with respect to the frame by the locking component locks being urged into a locking position such as:a detent in the slot.

The handle (5) is attached to the frame, directly or indirectly, or it niay be attached to the seat or arm of the seat. The handle (5) is operable by a person sitting in the seat.

It operates on the component (7) or the locking mechanism to lock (secure) or unlock (unsecure) the seat at particular position (angle) with respect to the frame.

In the embodiment shown the handle operates physically upon the locking component (7) to move it in and out of the detent (9) in the slot.

In other embodiment the handle operates a spring which acts to move the locking component in or out of the locking component.

In a preferred embodiment a spring or other resilient member is attached to the frame and to the locking component thereby predisposing the locking component to move into the locking position. 11. .

In another preferred embodiment a magnet is attached to the frame or to the seat or to the arm of seat or to the locking component. Magnetic attraction pulls the locking component into the detent. It is particularly effective wherever the locking component is in close proximity to the detent. Magnetic attraction urges the lock mechanism into a locked state wherever the seat is at a position (angle) desired for the locking.

Preferably there is a plurality of detents arranged. alàng the slot so the seat may be locked in a plurality of positions and angles. Preferably the locking mechanism is adapted to lock in a plurality of positions and angles of seat. Preferably a person sitting in the seat can, by utilization of the handle, activate the locking mechanism to lock seat in at plurality of positions and angles and unlock the seat from the these positions and angles as well.

Although the user operated locking/unlocking means is shown as a handle (5), in other embodiments it takes the form of a button, lanyard, pull string, foot operated pedal or other convenient device operable by the person sitting the seat.

In alternate embodiment the rocking chair comprises a seat that is suspended and has a lock mechanism connected to the base of the chair, the mechanism being defined by an arcuate slot which is arrested to prevent rocking.

When the chair is in its forward or backwards position, handle 5 movement fixes the chair into position when said position correlates to a section 9. This is by default wherein the bar is predisposed to be in a locking position.

In the preferred embodiment when the handle 5 is pulled up by a user a cantilever contained within the mechanism allows the engagement bar 7 to move downwards.

This movement allows disengagement of the bar? from a slot orposition on the seat, or more particularly arm 3.

The handle 5 in the preferred embodiment has magnetic portions in order that the handle 5 returns to its original position, and where the arm is in a correct position with regards to the frame 1 the bar 7 it will slot into or engage the seat into a fixed position or incline.

In sortie further embodiments this may be achieved by use of sprung portions.

In the preferred embodiment however as there are no vertical forces working on the locking handle 5, it is held in place using the magnetic portions.

This gives an easy to operate locking mechanism which requires little force on the handle to disengage and will engage by default. Advantageously user is enabled to change positions and operate the chair as frequently as wished.

In some embodiments the seat may be provided with padding or with detachable cushions.

Claims

Claims 1 A rocking chair comprising: a frame static in use comprising a base, a seat suspended on hinges that are supported by the frame so that the seat swings on the hinges to incline with respect to the frame in two opposing directions in use; a locking mechanism predisposed to enter a locked state which prevents the seat from swinging wherever the seat is in a plurality of predetermined positions, and a means to put the locking mechanism in an unlocked state which allows the seat to swing.
2. A rocking chair according to claim 1 comprising a magnet which predisposes the locking mechanism to enter the locked state.
3. A rocking chair according to any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism is predisposed to the locked state when the seat is at a predetermined angle of inclination and to the unlocked state at another angle of inclination.
4. A rocking chair according to any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a lock component attached to the frame, and a recess in the seat in the form of an arcuate slot with a detent.
5. A rocking chair according to claim 5 wherein the lock component is urged to move into the detent by gravity, or a resilient actor, or a magnet and thereby the locking mechanism is predisposed to enter the locked state.
6. A rocking chair according any preceding claim wherein, in use, the locking mechanism may be manually changed from the locked state to the unlocked state.
7. A method of locking a rocking chair according to any of claims 1 to 6, whereby the rocking chair is locked in a forward inclined or a backward reclined position.
8. A rocking chair substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. 14.